The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, drawing artists and industry leaders from across the continent for one of African music’s most important nights.
Held under the theme “Unstoppable Africa,” the ceremony celebrated commercial success, cultural impact, regional diversity, and artistic excellence. The event was hosted by Falz and Liliane Maroune and broadcast live on DStv, GOtv, and digital platforms, concluding a week-long AFRIMA programme in Lagos.
Below is the full breakdown of major categories, including WINNERS and OFFICIAL NOMINEES as released by AFRIMA ahead of the awards.
ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Winner
- Rema (Nigeria)
Nominees
- Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Davido (Nigeria)
- Wizkid (Nigeria)
- Black Sherif (Ghana)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Winner
- Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness
Nominees
- Rema – HEIS
- Davido – Timeless
- Black Sherif – The Villain I Never Was
- Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21
SONG OF THE YEAR
Winner
- Shallipopi – “Laho”
Nominees
- Tyla – “Water”
- Asake – “Lonely at the Top”
- Rema – “Trouble Maker”
- Black Sherif – “Oil in My Head”
BEST MALE ARTISTE – WESTERN AFRICA
Winner
- Rema (Nigeria)
Nominees
- Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Davido (Nigeria)
- Wizkid (Nigeria)
- Black Sherif (Ghana)
BEST FEMALE ARTISTE – WESTERN AFRICA
Winner
- Wendy Shay (Ghana)
Nominees
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
- Simi (Nigeria)
- Gyakie (Ghana)
BEST MALE ARTISTE – EASTERN AFRICA
Winner
- Jux (Tanzania)
Nominees
- Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
- Harmonize (Tanzania)
- Alikiba (Tanzania)
- Bien (Kenya)
BEST FEMALE ARTISTE – EASTERN AFRICA
Winner
- Denise (Madagascar)
Nominees
- Zuchu (Tanzania)
- Nandy (Tanzania)
- Azawi (Uganda)
- Nikita Kering (Kenya)
BEST MALE ARTISTE – CENTRAL AFRICA
Winner
- Singuila (Congo)
Nominees
- Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)
- Innoss’B (DR Congo)
- Gaz Mawete (DR Congo)
- Dadju (DR Congo)
BEST FEMALE ARTISTE – CENTRAL AFRICA
Winner
- Cindy Le Coeur (DR Congo)
Nominees
- Rosny Kayiba (DR Congo)
- Shan’L (Gabon)
- Queen Etémé (Cameroon)
- Mel B Akwen (Cameroon)
MOST PROMISING ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Winner
- Qing Madi (Nigeria)
Nominees
- Victony (Nigeria)
- Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
- Tyla (South Africa)
- Llona (Nigeria)
AFRICAN FANS’ FAVOURITE ARTISTE
Winner
- Chella (Nigeria)
Nominees
- Rema
- Burna Boy
- Davido
- Wizkid
BEST AFRICAN VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Winner
- Black Sherif – “Rebel”
Nominees
- Rema – “Trouble Maker”
- Burna Boy – “City Boys”
- Ayra Starr – “Commas”
- Asake – “Yoga”
BEST AFRICAN DANCE / CHOREOGRAPHY
Winner
- Weeha – “Dimama” (Ethiopia)
Nominees
- Tyla – “Water”
- Diamond Platnumz – “Achii”
- Kizz Daniel – “Twe Twe”
- CKay – “Love Nwantiti”
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Winner
- Bakhaw Dioum (Senegal) – “Choix”
Nominees
- Asa (Nigeria)
- Johnny Drille (Nigeria)
- A-Reece (South Africa)
- Sauti Sol (Kenya)
BEST SOUNDTRACK (FILM / SERIES / DOCUMENTARY)
Winner
- Yemi Alade – “You Are” (Iyanu)
Nominees
- Adekunle Gold – Aníkúlápó
- CKay – Shanty Town
- Amaarae – The Origin
- Teni – Breaded Life
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Recipients
- Kenny Ogungbe
- Dayo “D1” Adeneye
Honoured for decades of contribution to African music development, media, and artist growth.